Early next morning the tourists fly to Lukla at 2860 metres, where we meet the yak
drivers, and porters. We can trek to Monjo (2652m) and spend the night
there. We will continue our trek up to Namche Bazaar (3446m), the capital of the
Sherpa Kingdom. Here we rest for a day to acclimate and enjoy the
hospitality of the fascinating people, then proceed up to Deboche (3757m)
for a night, and finally to Lobuche (4930m), where we have another
acclimatization day. Finally, we make the last trek to basecamp at 5300 metres. After resting,
organizing, and training in the basecamp for a day, we will begin our climb.We start with a day hike through the awe inspiring Khumbu Icefall, followed
by a trip to the plateau of the Western Cwm, for our first glimpse of Camp
I, at 5800 metres. From Camp I at 6000 metres, the route traverses the flattish bottom of the
Western Cwm, to 6200 metres where Camp II is located. Camp III is on the
head wall of the Lhotse face at about 7200 metres. Known as the 'Valley of
Silence', the Western Cwm is a relatively flat gently rising valley, marked
by huge lateral crevasses in the centre. On South Col, we enter the death zone, where we will spend maximum 2 or 3
days before beginning our summit push. Within 10 to 12 hours, we'll reach
'The Balcony' at 8,400 m (927,700 feet). The Balcony provides spectacular
views to the radiant peaks. At 8,750 m (28,700 feet), a small table-sized dome of is snow marks the
South Summit. From South summit, we will follow the knife-edge southeast
ridge along the 'Cornice Traverse' where snow clings to intermittent rock.
This is the most exposed section of the climb as a misstep to the left would
send one 2,400 m (8,000 ft) down the southwest face while to the immediate
right is the 3,050 m (10,000 ft) Kangshung face. At the end of this traverse
is an imposing 12 m (40 ft) rock wall called the 'Hillary Step' at 8,760 m
(28,750 ft).
We have finally completed our trek to Mount Everest. Now it's time to descend.
We have finally completed our trek to Mount Everest. Now it's time to descend.
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